The manufacturer has opened an entirely new and exciting chapter with the creation of the Celestron Origin 6" RASA astrophotography smart telescope. The 6-inch (152 mm) (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) RASA telescope is a fast telescope designed specifically for astrophotography, essentially a portable home observatory. Equipped with intelligent, high-tech electronics, this system replaces a complex conventional astrophotography setup while remaining user-friendly and taking observing comfort to a whole new level. Origin 6" RASA users do not need to spend long hours assembling and setting up their equipment, as they can start observing within as little as 2 minutes after powering it on.
The RASA telescope's greatest advantage is its exceptionally fast f/2.2 focal ratio, which enables it to capture images in a fraction of the time required by a conventional Newtonian telescope. The front of the optical tube houses a back-illuminated SONY IMX178 sensor, also found in many other astrophotography cameras thanks to its excellent sensitivity, fast readout speed, and low noise level. The sensor has a resolution of 3096 x 2080 pixels and a diagonal of 8.9 mm. Its small 2.4-micron pixel size helps reveal fine details.
The microcomputer built into the optical tube handles countless tasks for you. After startup, it uses StarSense technology to automatically calibrate itself, allowing it to begin imaging the selected target within a short time. The telescope also adjusts the focus automatically, and you can entrust it with scheduling your imaging sessions as well. Depending on changes in ambient temperature, the internal computer automatically regulates the dew control heating.
The telescope can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet via its own WIFI network using the Celestron Oigin Powered by SkySafari iOS, Android app. The image produced through live stacking, revealing more and more detail, can be displayed on multiple devices simultaneously, and can even be streamed to a smart TV, turning observing into a truly shared experience. In addition to exploring the starry sky, the telescope is also excellent for daytime nature observation and performs well even in low-light conditions.
Those who do not want to leave everything to automation will be pleased to know that image files can also be downloaded via USB in raw, unprocessed format for further processing. A filter drawer between the camera and telescope accommodates both 1.25" and 2" filters. The single-arm motorized alt-azimuth mount that moves the optical tube is powered by an internal lithium battery, and the charger is also included in the package.
Those who choose this telescope will gain insight into regions of the universe that only dedicated astrophotographers and researchers could explore just a few years ago.
